Six communities in Fiji have already been relocated and 42 are in urgent need of moving in the next decade because of the climate change threats.
This has been highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica while speaking at the 2nd European Union and Indo Pacific Forum in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Deputy Prime Minister says we have no choice but to relocate our people which is a painful and costly process that needs careful planning, consultation and coordination.
Kamikamica says we cannot afford this on our own and need financial support from our development partners.
He says relocation is not a solution, but a response to the loss and damage caused.
The Deputy Prime Minister appreciated the EU’s increased engagement with the Indo Pacific region, reflected in its Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo Pacific and its Global Gateway initiative.
He also acknowledged the relationship with the EU because it is based on mutual respect, shared values and common interests.
He says the Pacific Leaders made a historic decision last year to adopt a 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent that reflects collective vision, values and aspirations of Pacific island countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they anticipate a more coherent engagement as a region with the EU and other partners through the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy.
